Causation Theories of Witch Persecution
Many Accused Were Killed for, Allegedly, Practicing the Craft. Why?
Sep 17, 2008
The persecution and executions of alleged witches deserve answers, if only theoretical, as to what caused this. Historians and social scientists offer speculations based on the times and the societies in which these took place. No one theory fits all of the reasons for the hunts, trials and executions. In order to come to a logical conclusion as to what brought these about, it’s best to keep all theories in mind to try to explain the phenomena.
Witch Persecution - Psychosocial and Physical Disorder Theories
- Mass Hysteria and Delusion: People gave credibility to others’ fantasies and illusions. There are delusional, paranoid and other psychiatric disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, current edition, DSM IV TR, published by the American Psychiatric Association, the reference book mental health professionals use for diagnostic and billing purposes. Some people believe their distortions are real. Others create illusions to get what they want. It is possible that, in either case, people believed the accusers. An excellent 20th century example of mass hysteria is Orson Welles’ one hour radio broadcast, The War of the Worlds, on October 30, 1938. The first 40 minutes were a simulated newscast that there was a Martian invasion in New Jersey. The media reported panic ensued to the point that some people fled from the area.
- Physical Disorders: Diseases such as ergotism, caused by eating mold-contaminated bread, can cause burning, itching or crawling sensations, convulsions, hallucinations and psychosis. Substance use can also cause hallucinations, delusions and other distortions of the mind.
- Societal Control: Both the state and the church wanted to control society. There is historical evidence that the North Berwick Witches' Persecution and their ensuing trials and executions were created by James VI of Scotland, later, James I of England, David Seton and James Carmichael, Minister of Haddington, to further their political and religious ambitions.
A Blend of Religion Theories about Witch Persecution
When the early Christian missionaries went into Europe, they called non-Christians “Pagan”, a word that meant country-dweller. To ease the conversion process, they adopted some of the Old Religion’s traditions and customs. Some “non-believers” refused to embrace Christianity and continued practicing their form of spirituality.
One of the Celtic gods was Cernunnos also called the Horned God and God of Nature. The church misinterpreted him as Satan; therefore, Pagans worshipped the devil.
Witches are mentioned in the King James Version of the Bible, translated during the reign of James I of England, The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version, Philadelphia: Westminster, 1952.
Exodus 22:18: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”
Samuel I, 28:3-25 is about the Witch of Endor. King Saul drove necromancers out of Israel after the Prophet Samuel died. Saul prayed for answers as to how he could successfully fight the Philistines, but received none in dreams or from prophets. Paul asked the witch to summon Samuel. His ghost had no advice, but predicted Saul’s downfall. The next day, the king died in battle.
This leads some to speculate the church came to the conclusion that Pagans were witches, who shouldn’t be allowed to live, so they were be hunted, put on trial and, if guilty, put to death.
The fact is that most victims were woman leads some to postulate misogynism could also be a contributing factor.
What historical/sociological/psychological factors caused each incident may never be known.
Related articles:
Ergot Caused Some Witch Hunts: Theory
Witchcraft-Bilson & Leicester Boys
Sources:
http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/dsm4TRclassification.htm
Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches, Marvin Harris, (Vintage Edition, 1974)
The Dark World of Witches, Eric Maple, (Castle Books, 1964)
Dictionary of Witchcraft, David Pickering, (Cassel, 1996)
A History of Pagan Europe, Prudence Jones & Nigel Pennick, (Barnes & Noble Books, 1999)
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